This
month was the sort that Shunt list deserters dream about - a month
where no one could talk of anything except Recoil. The impending release
of 'Liquid' has Shuntese quaking with ecstasy and desire while lucky
European types have been listening to the album and hobnobbing with
Mr. Wilder in total abandon.

Fabe was
the first to report hearing 'Liquid', followed by Adrian who
sussed out bits at a Depeche Mode party. Henrik met Alan in
Stockholm while Marco interviewed him in Germany. Fret not faithful
readers, old Mike will have his chance when Uncle Chuck drops by NYC
soon.

Laura heard
'Chrome' on Finnish radio (now how's about some airplay in America,
huh?) while Shuntsters rabidly discussed Alan's idea for a Recoil film. KJ wondered
what had happened to Top Ten and soon new, tantalizing titbits of information
appeared. Marco posted the hilarious Paris Wilder editorial about Mummy
and Daddy's New Year's party and Jonathan Ogilvie Dourish had
the humorous audacity to question my knowledge regarding Recoil samples.
Sorry to disappoint you Mr. Dourish, but I answer to a higher authority,
and no, it's not Yahweh.

Nicole praised
Alan and PK, stating that her work on 'Liquid' is the best she's ever
done and I'm inclined to believe her. All the septics (myself included)
wondered what in the hell was a Lada and why was Alan ashamed to have
owned one? Farhan wanted to plug Recoil on 'Who Wants To Be
A Millionaire?' which led to some funny and ultimately tiresome commentary
from the peanut gallery.

Alison posted "black
box" humour while Micah got all pernickety about the samples
from 'Liquid'. Nicole revealed how she writes to music while Ken planned
a 'Liquid' release party in Chicago worthy of Super Devoted Fan status! Anton in
L.A. received a 'Liquid' promo, hence dashing all my beliefs that God
is fair.

PK spoke to the group a
bit about Flood, posting later in order to tease American chocolate
fans and Nicole alike. KJ told Shuntlettes to be more like Hep and FoxPuppy and
others made bizarre assumptions about David Gahan's life. Jenna asked
how to be an insomniac (ah, the carefree joys of youth) and LaVey detested
Californians.

FoxPuppy
came down with the pox (ok, so not all the moments of youth are carefree)
and listed his favourite albums, leading to a discussion of Toad My
Wet Rocket...AGAIN. Spoken word divas were discussed, Stephanie played
with anagrams and all the Shnurds trainspotted hi-hats. HI-HATS. A
roaring debate over hi-hats in various Mode songs ensued. I smiled,
remembering that I have a life.

Speaking
of no lives, Ubaldi and Duck then started discussing
'Star Wars' sound samples which lead to the ever relevant theory that
if Alan had seen the first 3 movies before 'Phantom Menace', he would
have appreciated it better. Other Shnurds agreed. A total non-Shnurd, Hope,
used Recoil at her fetish ball, 'Wet'. She then described the events
for us in graphic detail. Jenna wondered about the use of spirituals
on 'Unsound', Rachel noted Alan's seeming proclivity toward
things Virginian and Garth reported a 'Strange Hours' video
sighting on MTV!

In
Charliecon news, Ben cancelled his widely anticipated Austin
party for reasons as yet undisclosed. KJ announced the Red River Rampage,
her second Charliecon but first in the wilderness as a sort of Recoil
Retreat. Sign up at http://www.zyworld.com/KJAdan/rrr.htmDJ
Objet got into the spirit by announcing a possible North Carolina
shindig. Stay here to keep posted on these events and any web addresses
with more information.

Quote
Of The month goes to Kristina Moodie, who made me smile
with the following:

"Geekism is the new black or something, or is that
too lastyear.com?"

I wanted to put yet another FoxPuppyism, but it was too racy for Alan's
mum.
Keep sitting on your hands and begging your European friends for tapes
of their 'Liquid' promos.